I got an email from my wife's attorney saying they would like to mail me the papers and avoid the fees of having me served. I'm okay with that. Are they only sending me paperwork saying that my wife is filing for divorce and what should I expect? I guess now is a good time to find a reasonable priced divorce attorney, in what should be, a pretty standard divorce with kids. We are already living apart and have a parenting plan in place. Using the court child support calculator, I have been writing her a check for "temporary child support" until a final order is ordered. The only sticking point, for me, is that she is probably going to ask for spousal support, which I will oppose.
You need to consult in person with a family law attorney right away. Attorneys are prohibited from soliciting you via , so you will need to use the "find a lawyer" feature to locate an experienced divorce attorney near you. Speak with your attorney first about all issues, and do not talk to your wife's attorney. Subject to you divorce counsel's recommendation, I suggest that you try to work out as many issues as possible directly with your wife as that will save you both a lot of time and money. Even though she has counsel, you are able to talk to her directly. Good luck.
Once you receive the petition, you will have 20 days to file your answer. This is a really simple pleading that responds to each fact alleged in the petition. You should begin consulting with local divorce lawyers. Speak to a few whose credentials or experience impress you and compare fees. Be careful to distinguish between hourly billing which begins with a retainer that you'll be asked to replenish as needed throughout the case and fixed or flat rate billing which is generally a flat price that includes all of the firm's work (but may exclude external costs like filing, service, court imposed advisor costs, etc).
Robert H. GermanDUI / DWI AttorneySpring Lake, MI ·
You should accept service of papers since it will save you some money. You are correct, find an attorney who handles divorce cases and has a good reputation for handling divorce cases. Each divorce case is different from the other. If you and your wife can reach an agreement it will also save you money since attorneys like to get clients fighting so that they can make more money. Sometimes it cannot be avoided. Nobody wants to pay alimony. I would not make any statements to your wife about what you will or will not do. Your goal is to make her feel that you will help her get on her feet and move forward with her life. This all depends on why she filed. Most women who leave husbands usually have boyfriend or some security blanket waiting in the wings. Depending upon the length of the marriage and many other factors you may be required to pay alimony. Your goal is to try to keep it to a minimum in both amount and length.
